The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is a gorgeous, powerful smartphone, but you're paying a pretty steep premium for curved glass.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 is the best Android smartphone, and the S6 Edge is an even prettier version of the Editors' Choice winner. So why doesn't it get the same hearty recommendation? At $299.99 (with contract) on Verizon, you're paying a sizeable premium for a more alluring design and a few half-baked gimmicks. It's not a bad choice by any stretch, but most users will be plenty satisfied with the edge-less GS6.

We've already reviewed the Galaxy S6 Edge on T-Mobile, so head over to the original review for a full rundown on design, features, and general performance. For this review, we'll focus on network performance, carrier software, and value on Verizon.

Network Performance and SoftwareAs should be expected, the S6 Edge supports the full range of Verizon spectrum, including 3G CDMA and 4G LTE. I tested the S6 Edge in Manhattan and found call quality and network speeds to be top-notch. Side-by-side tests of the S6 Edge and the Apple iPhone 6 showed a noticeable download speed advantage for Samsung, especially when Verizon's network was particularly congested. Call quality, likewise, was very strong, with plenty of gain in the earpiece and clear transmissions through the mic. Noise cancellation worked well, dispensing with background chatter and mild outdoor noise.

Editors' Note: The slideshow below is of the T-Mobile Galaxy S6 Edge, which is physically identical to the Verizon model.

In a battery rundown test, where we streamed a YouTube video over LTE with screen brightness set to max, the S6 Edge lasted for 7 hours, 23 minutes. That's a bit short of the T-Mobile model's 8 hours, but still easily eclipses the iPhone 6's 4 hours, 33 minutes in the same test.

Of the 32GB of internal storage, 23.53GB is available to users out of the box. Verizon adds a litany of its own apps, ranging from necessary account management tools to egregiously redundant add-ons like VZ Navigator. There are also a bunch of third-party apps pre-installed, but luckily most are removable.

ConclusionsDon't be fooled by Samsung's functionality pitch—the edge design doesn't add anything to the experience. That said, while the Galaxy S6 is a handsome phone, the S6 Edge is the real stunner, and it's still every bit as impressive as its flat counterpart. So if you can afford the premium, you can rest easy knowing you've chosen the most powerful—and arguably most beautiful—Android phone available. But for the majority of shoppers, the S6 is the better value, and remains our Editors' Choice.

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About the Author

Before joining the consumer electronics team at PCMag, Eugene worked at local news station NY1 doing everything from camera work to writing scripts. He grew up in Montclair, New Jersey and graduated from the University of Virginia in 2010. Outside of work Eugene enjoys TV, loud music, and making generally healthy and responsible life choices.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (Verizon...

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (Verizon Wireless)

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